On 3 December 2016 the Northern Territory Government announced an independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of Onshore Unconventional Reservoirs in the Northern Territory.

The Inquiry is investigating the environmental, social and economic risks and impacts of hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as fraccing or fracking) of onshore unconventional gas reservoirs and associated activities in the Northern Territory.

Chairing the Inquiry is the Honourable Justice Rachel Pepper. Justice Pepper will oversee a panel of 10 scientists with expertise in disciplines such as water, geology, ecology, health, sociology and engineering.

Community consultation is a critical component of the Inquiry. Go to Have your Say for information about how to submit your feedback to the Inquiry and for information about the latest and upcoming community consultation activities.

Draft Final ReportOut Now

Latest news

14 February 2018: The Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory (the Inquiry) is this week concluding its final round of regional community consultations on its draft Final Report. Read the full update.

5 February 2018: The independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of Onshore Shale Gas Reservoirs in the Northern Territory (Inquiry) has commenced a two-day hearing in Darwin today, the first of its final round of public live-streamed hearings. Read the full update.

30 January 2018: The independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of onshore shale gas reservoirs in the Northern Territory (Inquiry) begins its final round of hearings and community forums across the Northern Territory today. Read the full update.

19 January 2018: The Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of Onshore Unconventional Reservoirs in the Northern Territory (Inquiry) today released a draft Social Impact Assessment Framework (Framework) produced by Coffey Services Australia Pty Ltd (Coffey). Read the full update.

12 December 2017: The Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of Onshore Unconventional Reservoirs in the Northern Territory (Inquiry) released its draft Final Report today. Read the full update.

Moratorium

On 14 September 2016 the Northern Territory Government announced a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing of onshore unconventional reservoirs including the use of hydraulic fracturing for exploration, extraction, production and including Diagnostic Fracture Injection Testing (DFITs).